The Polity of the Church

I. Old Testament Instruction on Leadership – Deuteronomy 17

God’s King is not…
a. To Acquire Many Horses “for himself” (v. 16)
b. To Acquire Many Wives “for himself” (v. 17)
c. To Acquire Excessive Silver and Gold “for himself” (v. 17)
d. To Lift Himself Above His Brothers (v. 20)

God’s King is…
To Write Out the Law for Himself (v. 18)
To Have the Law with Him at All Times (v. 19)
To Read the Law All the Days of His Life (v. 19)

II. New Testament Instruction on Leadership
Humble Servanthood
Brotherhood
The New Commandment: Christlike, Self-sacrificing Love for One Another

III. The New Testament Model

1. Plurity of Elders
   Balancing people’s weaknesses
   Lightening the workload
   Providing accountability
2. First Among A Council of Equals: Leaders Among Leaders – 1 Timothy 5:17-18